FSSB is based in Newark and led by conductor Jonathan Wittman. The band features more than 50 musicians and most are based in the Greater Wilmington area, while the furthest performers live as far south as near Elkton, Md., and as far north near Kennett Square, Pa. Not to mention, there a few members representing Hockessin.

Based on Giuseppe Verdi's opera, "Aida" is a dramatic love story between Aida, a captured Nubian princess, and Radames, Captain of the Egyptian Army. John's music is an eclectic mix of reggae, Motown, pop, gospel, and African-based influences blended seamlessly in a contemporary style.

The production features a stellar cast that brings this timeless love story to life on the Cab stage, just before the theater closes its doors for a year-long renovation.

IF YOU GO

WHAT "Aida" the musical

WHEN 7 p.m. Friday, March 15; 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17; the show runs through Sunday, March 24

A dozen local singer-songwriters accepted the challenge to pen 14 songs in 28 days. The fruits of their labor will be on display in a free concert on Saturday night at Film Brothers Movie Co-op.

Songs from the event were created during this year's February Artist Writing Month (better known as FAMW), a worldwide songwriting challenge that tasks music artists with scribing 14 songs in February. Each day artists can post their new tunes online at FAWN to share and receive feedback.

Bootless Stageworks will present Christopher Durang's critically acclaimed black comedy that pokes fun at America's homeland insecurity in "Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them," Friday through Sunday at Newport Industrial Park.

The play tells the story of a young woman who's now in a panic: is her new husband, whom she married when drunk, a terrorist? Or is he just crazy? Or both?

Known for presenting contemporary, offbeat productions for nontraditional playgoers — with their previous shows including "Jerry Springer: The Opera" and "Evil Dead: The Musical" — Bootless will do it again with this one.

IF YOU GO

Page 3 of 3 - WHAT "Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them"

In OrKID Days, families can learn about orchids firsthand at discovery stations, and they can also sketch their own orchid, too, as well as search for the six hidden orchids in the Children's Garden for a scavenger hunt. OrKID Days will also feature a live concert by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.

IF YOU GO

WHAT Longwood Gardens OrKID Days

WHEN 12-3 p.m. Saturday, March 16; concert is held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.